I am going to look at a 2001 Toyota Echo today or tomorrow, as a possible replacement for a used-up Saturn. The owner is asking $6000, and the car has an automatic and 47k mostly city miles.
I'm concerned mainly about the transmission. Will this car be a complete dog with an automatic? I can't imagine a car with a 1.5 and auto being able to get out of its own way. (It will need to climb an occasional mountain pass, as high as 8-9000 feet.)
Are there any common problems with this trans that I should know about?
Finally, what is involved in servicing the automatic? (Does it have a drain plug, external filter, serviceable filter in pan, etc.)
I'd also welcome any other pertinent comments from drivers of 2000 Echoes.
Thanks.